How to Stain Old Cabinet Doors

Old cabinet doors can make an entire kitchen look dull. Sometimes the budget does not allow many homeowners to change the cabinets. Purchasing and applying stain is an inexpensive and quick alternative to refreshing the cabinets to make them look like new.

How to Stain Old Cabinet Doors

Materials Needed

• Drop cloth


• Screwdriver


• Sawhorses


• Mild liquid detergent


• Sponge


• Medium grit sandpaper


• Stain


• Paint stirrer


• Paintbrush


• Finishing varnish

1. Place a drop cloth over the floor to protect them from stain drips. Place two sawhorses in the area so you can have a place to lay the cabinet doors. This is also where you will allow the doors to dry. Open the doors and windows to allow air to circulate while using the stain.


2. Use a screwdriver to remove the hinges. Take off the cabinet doors. Remove the other hardware as well and set them to the side. Move the cabinet doors over to the sawhorses.


3. Fill a sink with water and a few drops of mild liquid dish detergent. Use a sponge and the cleaning solution to clean the doors. Rinse the doors with clean water and allow them to dry.


4. Use medium grit sandpaper to sand the doors all over. Make sure the doors are smooth. Wet a sponge and squeeze the water out. Wipe the cabinet doors to remove the sanding particles. Allow the doors to dry.


5. Open the stain and mix it with a paint stirrer. Apply the stain over the cabinet doors with a paintbrush. Allow the stain to completely dry. Turn the door over and stain it. Allow the door to dry.


6. Remove the lid form a can of finishing varnish. Apply the varnish with a new paintbrush. Allow the varnish to dry. Turn the door over and apply varnish. Allow the door to dry.